politically correct

American  

[puh-lit-ik-lee kuh-rekt] / pəˈlɪt ɪk li kəˈrɛkt /

adjective

1. marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology: The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive. PC, P.C.

   The actor’s comment about unattractive women was not politically correct.

   The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive.

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politically correct British  

adjective

1.  PC.  demonstrating progressive ideals, esp by avoiding vocabulary that is considered offensive, discriminatory, or judgmental, esp concerning race and gender

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politically correct Idioms  

1. Also, PC or p.c. Showing an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. For example, Editors of major papers have sent out numerous directives concerning politically correct language. This expression was born in the late 1900s, and excesses in trying to conform to its philosophy gave rise to humorous parodies.

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Usage

What does politically correct mean? Being politically correct, or PC for short, is saying or doing things in ways that will not cause offense regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity. Some people criticize PC culture as being too sensitive and fragile. How is politically correct pronounced?[ puh-li-tik-lee kuh-rekt ] or [ pee-see ]What are other forms of politically correct?

• PC
• political correctness

What are some other words related to politically correct?

• safe space
• triggered

Other Word Forms

• political correctness noun

Etymology

Origin of politically correct

1790–95 (in the sense “in accordance with established norms”); 1970–75 for the more recent meaning, which evolved from earlier Communist uses in the 1920s

Example Sentences

You are not politically correct and don’t necessarily belong always in polite society.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Language once considered hostile has become common, sometimes precisely because it runs counter to politically correct sensibilities.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2024

Each character is reprimanded for their awfulness, making sure that even if they aren't perfect, politically correct women — they are real.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2024

"If I had not been honest, if I had tried to make certain things more palatable or politically correct, would I have been more successful?," she says.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2023

But the engineers also spent time designing strategic rockets under defense contracts, something perhaps less politically correct to advertise: Trident missiles, ICBMs, Minutemen.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

• PC